Teoh, Shun Qi, and Michelle Khai Khun Yap. “Naja Sumatrana Venom Cytotoxin, SumaCTX Exhibits Concentration-Dependent Cytotoxicity via Caspase-Activated Mitochondrial-Mediated Apoptosis without Transitioning to Necrosis.” Toxin Reviews, 28 July 2020, pp. 1–15, doi:10.1080/15569543.2020.1799408.

Abstract

The mechanism of suma-cytotoxin (sumaCTX)-induced cytotoxicity is poorly understood, especially in the transition of cell death pattern. This study examines its cytotoxicity, caspase-3/7 activity, mitochondrial functions, and occurrence of apoptosis. The sumaCTX triggered cytotoxicity in MCF-7 cells before 24 h, with activation of caspase-3/7 and mitochondrial depolarization, followed by a substantial percentage of AV⁺ apoptotic cells. The absence of HMGB1 suggested apoptosis was the profound cell death independent of its membrane perturbing effect, without transitioning into necrosis. Its cytotoxicity was a concentration-dependent but not time-dependent process. The findings provide valuable insight into mechanisms of sumaCTX-induced cytotoxicity in breast cancer cells.